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Hamsters will burrow right into your heart

Have you (or your children) been captivated by Zhu Zhu Pets, the plush robotic hamster toys? Maybe you're thinking of getting a real hamster as a pet. Often referred to as a “pocket pet,” hamsters are small, quiet, clean pets. You need to realize that having a real hamster is a big responsibility. Even though a hamster is very small, it depends on you for its survival.

Is a hamster right for you?

Hamsters are best suited for older children, aged 10 and up. Older children can handle the hamster more carefully than young children. Also, be aware that a hamster's life span is usually only 1½ to 2 years. Older children tend to be better able to understand that the life span is short and deal with the death of a pet.

“I just got my 13-year-old daughter a hamster a few weeks ago,” said Dr. Lisa Lullo of Loving Care Animal Clinic in Rolling Meadows. “They are very active, curious, playful and interactive.”

While owning a pet does help teach a child responsibility, parents need to help the child with his pet by monitoring the cage, the pet and the care being given.

“Parents need to be involved. This is a living creature, not a stuffed toy,” Lullo said.

Choosing your hamster

There are different varieties of hamsters. Golden, or teddy bear, hamsters are most common. There are many colors to choose from and they may be short-haired or long-haired. Dwarf hamsters are less than half the size of a golden hamster, awkward to handle and unless you just want to watch them, not as good of a pet as golden hamsters.

“Try to find a young one at the pet store. Talk to the pet store owner and look for a small one compared to the others,” Lullo advised.

With a young hamster, it is easier to teach him to be hand-friendly. He will not be as fearful, since he has been handled from a young age.

“If a hamster is used to being held, he will enjoy being petted and picked up,” Lullo said.

Whether you choose a male or female isn't really important. However, realize that a female may be pregnant when you buy her.

Hamsters are sleepy early in the day, so late afternoon is a good time to choose a hamster. Pick one that is active and has soft, shiny fur. There should be no sores or bare spots on his skin. A healthy hamster has bright, clear eyes. His ears, nose, teeth, mouth and bottom should be clean.

Hamsters need their space. They should be kept alone, as that is how they live in the wild. If you put two or more together, you risk aggression, fighting or unwanted pregnancy.

Cage care

A hamster needs to live in a cage. Multilevel cages give your hamster plenty of space to run and climb. Ladders allow your hamster to access the different levels. Many hamster cages stack and connect with tubes and labyrinths, making a good home for your pet. Cages with wire bars let the hamster gnaw and climb. This type of cage also gives good air circulation. Put the cage where the temperature is consistently warm, draft-free and out of direct sunlight.

You should have about an inch of nontoxic hamster bedding in the bottom of the cage. Avoid using cedar bedding; it can cause respiratory problems in hamsters.

“Newspaper-based beddings work really well,” Lullo said.

All cages need a wheel so your hamster can exercise. Remember that hamsters are nocturnal animals and will exercise at night.

“A solid, plastic wheel is the best,” Lullo said. “A wire wheel can cause sores on the hamster's feet.”

Your pet also needs to have a “hide box” in his cage, where he can sleep and go to de-stress. Pet stores have little houses available for this. Your pet will probably make a nest in this box, as well as in tunnels.

Handling

Hamsters need something to chew on to trim their teeth and keep them occupied. Paper towel tubes and bathroom tissue tubes work well. Kleenex is good for them to shred to make their nest. Your hamster will make cozy hiding places from Kleenex. Replace old tubes weekly so your hamster will always have something to do.

Do not give your hamster threads or strings to play with. Other toys designed specifically for hamsters are available at local pet stores.

Your hamster will need to get out of the cage for exercise, too. Hamster exercise balls allow your pet to run safely while outside of the cage. You should, however, supervise this playtime.

“The more you handle them, the more friendly they are,” Lullo said. “If you leave them in the cage and ignore them, they won't be a good pet.”

Pick up your hamster by forming a cup with your hands and lifting them from underneath.

“Let them walk into your hand,” Lullo said. “Move slowly and come from underneath; don't reach at them from overhead.”

Hygiene

Remove uneaten food from your hamster's cage daily. Remove most urine-soaked bedding, while leaving some in a corner, away from your hamster's food. When adding new bedding, retain some of the old. The familiar smell helps your hamster to feel at home and less stressed.

“Hamsters are very neat. They sleep in one corner, eat in one corner and bathe in one corner,” Lullo said.

Wash and clean the cage weekly, using a mild dish soap. Never use bleach. Rinse and dry the cage thoroughly before adding new bedding and nesting materials. Make sure your hamster is in a secure place while you are cleaning; a hamster exercise ball works well, as does a small, secondary cage.

Feeding

Lullo believes that it is really best for your hamster to eat lab blocks, which concentrate the food and nutrition needed into chunks and are available at pet stores.

“A seed mix is junk food for hamsters. Sunflower seeds make them fat,” Lullo said.

The blocks are in the cage all the time. The chewing helps their teeth and it gives the hamster something to do, while providing all the nutrition he needs.

Treat your hamster with small pieces of fresh apple, strawberries and carrots. Timothy hay in small amounts also adds variety to the diet. Once or twice a week, give a small amount of cottage cheese or regular cheese to add some protein to your pet's diet.

Don't be surprised if your hamster carries food in his cheek pouches until he reaches his nest, where he will eat it or store it.

“Free-fed (where food is always available) and exercised hamsters will be pretty good at maintaining their body weight,” Lullo said.

Your hamster should have fresh water at all times. Use a drip-feed bottle with a spout, as it is cleaner than using a water dish. Check the water level regularly and keep it filled. Thoroughly wash the bottle once or twice weekly.

Hamster health care

Hamsters do not require any vaccines or shots. But it's not a bad idea to bring your pet to an “exotic pet” or “pocket pet” veterinarian for a health check, especially when you first bring him home. Growing up, Lullo had hamsters, which led to her being comfortable with them and wanting to treat them. She has also worked with and observed another vet who dealt with these special pets.

“Because hamsters are so small, you can't wait if they get sick. They get very sick very quickly,” Lullo cautioned.

Signs that indicate your pet is ill include not eating, not drinking or shaking/wobbling when walking. “Wet tail” is when your hamster has diarrhea, which may be caused by stress. It is imperative to treat diarrhea quickly, to prevent dehydration and death.

African dwarf frog a good pet choice for kids

Emma Lullo, 13, is a new owner to Bubba the hamster.
Bubba is a Golden hamster, the type that is best living solo.

<b>How much will it cost?</b>

Costs are approximate, but here's an idea of what you might need to shell out for your hamster

Hamster: $ 15- $ 20

Starter Kit with cage, food and bedding samples, water bottle and food dish: $ 25

Habitat, a larger cage with levels: $ 50

Add-on tubes/tunnels: $ 20-$ 30

Playballs: $ 8

Exercise wheels: $ 5-$ 12

Hide box: $ 5

Food: $ 7 (2 pounds)

Timothy Hay: $ 6 (28 ounces)

Treats: $ 5

Bedding: $ 5-$ 15